Unemployment fell from 4.8 percent two years ago to 4.2 percent last month.

The report made public Friday by the Department of Workforce Services, Research and Planning shows average monthly employment dropped by 1.2 percent from 2016 to 2017. Payroll numbers increased by nearly 2 percent during the same time.

Department economist David Bullard says the numbers indicate the energy sector is recovering.

Jobs in mining, oil and gas increased by more than 900 positions last spring, but construction jobs dropped by more than 1,700 between years.

Bullard says the numbers suggest the construction sector may still be adjusting since the downturn.